All Harry Potter Cast Deaths in Order of Their Passing

In the magical world of *Harry Potter*, the actors who brought the beloved characters to life hold a special place in our hearts. When we lose these cherished members of the cast, fans across the globe honor their memory with a poignant "wands up" tribute. As we reflect on the impact these performers had on our lives, here's a chronological list of the *Harry Potter* cast members we've sadly lost over the years.

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The journey into the Wizarding World began with the release of the first Harry Potter film in 2001. Over two decades later, we've been left to mourn the loss of several actors who enchanted us with their performances.

Richard Harris – Original Dumbledore

Richard Harris, who portrayed the wise and powerful Albus Dumbledore in the first two Harry Potter films, passed away in 2002 at the age of 72 from Hodgkin’s Disease. His portrayal laid the foundation for the character's legacy.

Robert Knox – Marcus Belby

Robert Knox played Marcus Belby, a member of the Slug Club, in The Half-Blood Prince. Tragically, he was only 18 when he was killed in a stabbing incident in 2008. His character was not recast for the remaining films, leaving a poignant mark on the series.

Elizabeth Spriggs – Original Fat Lady

Elizabeth Spriggs brought to life the painting that guards Gryffindor Tower, known as the Fat Lady. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 78. The role was recast for The Prisoner of Azkaban when the character's appearance and location changed.

Timothy Bateson – Kreacher

Timothy Bateson voiced the Black family's house-elf, Kreacher, in The Order of the Phoenix. He died in 2009 at the age of 83, before the series concluded. Simon McBurney took over the role for the remaining films.

Jimmy Gardner – Knight Bus Driver Ernie

Jimmy Gardner's brief but memorable appearance as the Knight Bus driver Ernie in Prisoner of Azkaban left a lasting impression with his iconic big glasses and erratic driving. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 85.

Alfred Burke – Armando Dippet

Alfred Burke portrayed Hogwarts' former headmaster, Armando Dippet, in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. He died in 2011 at the age of 92.

Richard Griffiths – Uncle Vernon Dursley

Richard Griffiths delivered the memorable line "No post on Sundays" as Vernon Dursley in all Harry Potter films. He passed away in 2013 at the age of 65 due to complications from heart surgery.

Peter Cartwright – Original Elphias Doge

Peter Cartwright played Elphias Doge, a member of the Order of the Phoenix, in The Order of the Phoenix. He died in 2013 at the age of 78, before the filming of The Deathly Hallows: Part I, leading to the role being recast.

Dave Legeno – Fenrir Greyback

Dave Legeno portrayed the terrifying werewolf Fenrir Greyback. He tragically died from heatstroke while hiking in 2014 at the age of 50.

Derek Deadman – Original Leaky Cauldron Landlord Tom

Derek Deadman played Tom, the landlord of the Leaky Cauldron, in the first Harry Potter film. He died in 2014 from diabetes complications, and the role was recast for subsequent appearances.

David Ryall – Elphias Doge (Deathly Hallows)

David Ryall took over the role of Elphias Doge for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. He passed away in 2014 at the age of 79.

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Alan Rickman – Professor Severus Snape

Alan Rickman brought the complex character of Severus Snape to life in all eight Harry Potter films. He died from pancreatic cancer in 2016 at the age of 69.

Terence Bayler – The Bloody Baron

Terence Bayler played the silent but eerie Slytherin ghost, the Bloody Baron. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 86.

Hazel Douglas – Bathilda Bagshot

Hazel Douglas portrayed Bathilda Bagshot, the author of A History of Magic, in The Deathly Hallows: Part I. She died in 2016 at the age of 92.

John Hurt – Ollivander

Sir John Hurt brought the wandmaker Ollivander to life in the Harry Potter films. He died of pancreatic cancer in early 2017, shortly after his 77th birthday.

Sam Beazley – Portrait of Professor Everard

Sam Beazley portrayed the portrait of Professor Everard in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He passed away in 2017 at the remarkable age of 101.

Robert Hardy – Cornelius Fudge

Robert Hardy played the bumbling yet affable Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge. He died in 2017 at the age of 91.

Verne Troyer – Griphook

In Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Verne Troyer played Griphook the goblin, though Warwick Davis provided the voice. Troyer passed away in 2018 from complications of alcohol intoxication, later ruled a suicide.

Paul Ritter – Eldred Worple

Paul Ritter played Eldred Worple, a minor character and former student of Professor Horace Slughorn, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. He died of a brain tumor in 2021 at the age of 54.

Helen McCrory – Narcissa Malfoy

Helen McCrory portrayed Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother, in the Harry Potter films. She died of cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.

Robbie Coltrane – Hagrid

Robbie Coltrane brought the beloved half-giant Hagrid to life in all eight Harry Potter movies. He passed away from organ failure in 2022 at the age of 72.

Leslie Phillips – The Sorting Hat

Leslie Phillips was the voice behind Hogwarts' Sorting Hat, though he never appeared on screen. He died in 2022 at the age of 98.

Michael Gambon – Dumbledore (Prisoner of Azkaban onwards)

Sir Michael Gambon took over the role of Professor Albus Dumbledore starting with the third Harry Potter film. He died after suffering from pneumonia in 2023 at the age of 82.

Maggie Smith – Professor McGonagall

Dame Maggie Smith portrayed the stern yet caring Professor McGonagall in all eight Harry Potter films. She passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89.

Simon Fisher-Becker – Fat Friar

Simon Fisher-Becker appeared as the jovial ghost, Fat Friar, in the first Harry Potter movie, the Philosopher’s Stone. He passed away in March 2025 at the age of 63.

And that concludes the list of Harry Potter cast members we've lost, in the order of their passing.

The Harry Potter movies are streaming now on Peacock.

The above article was updated on 3/10/2025 by Escapist Editorial to include additional Harry Potter cast member.